Getting familiar with the ring of fire, and how it shoots. Didn't have a copper ring, so I used my round fondant cutter (glad I'm still hoarding all the decorating gems from my baking years). Taking her down to the pool gets her distracted enough for Mama to experiment (with Dada in the pool with her, making sure she's safe, of course!). One of three things. Either the aluminium ring doesn't reflect as punchy as copper would, or that the cutter is too thin, or (and this is the most likely reason at this point) I need more practice.

I got the BEST news week from #theDoc ..... I'm fixed!!! *HAPPY DANCE* I'm finally brace free and able to wear my gorgeous gift from my #bestie !
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I still have therapy to help get my strength back, but I should be back to shooting in no time. Which is more good news because I was about to be naughty otherwise and do it anyways. Lol This momma's got to stories to tell!
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#almostthere#willfulsoul#backinthegame

I am an open book. Vulnerability has long been my spirit animal. Sharing is my second nature. But I have been struggling with how to navigate social media now that I am putting myself out there in a professional context. I honestly didn’t think twice about it until I listened to a podcast about growing your photography business. I immediately felt anxiety and inadequacy. All of that language is so foreign to me. I felt paralyzed, almost like I had no idea how to present myself. My personal account seamlessly flowed out of my intentional, sappy heart. I couldn’t help it. I had no alterer motives. I simply responded to instinct. But here in this new space, I kept feeling like less is more and I was often worried about how it would be perceived. If I would be considered professional enough. People are just interested in the end product right? My little written words might be too much. But this weekend I finally realized that I won’t be successful if I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve. I also won’t attract the people and places that are good for me. This vulnerable approach is me to the core. And it feels best when my photographs are accompanied by the unraveling of my heart with words. I can’t separate the two, which has got me inspired and thinking, maybe there is something to that. I’ve been patiently waiting for my niche when I realized I was all over the map, without one “thing.” But maybe my niche has been here this whole time, and it happened so slowly and organically that I didn’t ever see that it was my thing. Today I feel a little closer, like maybe I’m settling into something. Beginnings are so beautiful, especially when you see that they are more like old relics presenting themselves in new light. ✨ @blueskygallerypdx

The thrill, anxiety that pumps through our veins when awaiting the birth of a child is unreal. Unmatched. Profoundly bewildering.
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What joy it as to spend the afternoon with dear friends documenting their anticipation for baby Isabel’s arrival.
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Of course was just too eager to share a sneak peek. So here it is. ❤️

RUN WILD | the @clickawayconference has me all kinds of running wild! My mind, my heart, my creativity... this boutique session with @marcie_reif_photography this afternoon was beyond incredible. Not only was the fog beautiful, but Marcie really pushed me out of my comfort zone (which was a big goal of mine for 2018). I used two of my lenses today that I don’t often use and it made for images that make my heart leap! Thank you for an amazing day Marcie! 💕

ONE LAST BUMP SHOT // I'm almost 40 weeks pregnant, so I thought I'd share one last bump shot with you all.
I'm going to miss feeling her move within my womb space, kicking me in the ribs and being cheeky when I'm trying to sleep or get comfortable. But I am so excited now to cuddle and kiss her, to hold her and for us to get to know each other earth side.
This little bubba chose me as her mummy and presented her soul to me before I even got pregnant with her. She has also made her name very clear to me since the very beginning.
It has been a magical experience, with its ups and downs, but baby girl we are almost there 💜
Thank you for following my pregnancy journey, I look forward to sharing my next chapter with you all - a mum of TWO 💕

They could be looking at anything. What do you think it is? Is it beautiful? Is it different? Is it new? What are our children looking at? Take a hard look for yourself. Do you see what they see? If you were them, what would you be looking at? What if you were still a child and knew what you know now. You couldn’t do anything. You would have to trust adults like yourself. Are you still listening? Good.
Would they listen to you? The adults? How would you see the world then. Would you change your mind. Would you finally see the ridiculous things they cared about. The things that they should care about but didn’t.
Wake up.
#momsdemandaction

Today we celebrated our oldest babe turning 5! This morning I asked him what he wanted to do today and he replied with, “the birthday boy wants to open presents!” 😂 he brings us so much joy and so much laughter! 💙

I spent the first part of the day at the @clickawayconference learning from the spectacular @twyla.jones She was a dream to work with! I can’t wait to get to more of these images! @iamjessicamax you have a beautiful family! Thanks for modeling for us! #clickaway#clickaway2018

Hands up who else spent this morning running or walking the City2City run? What a gorgeous day to be out with so many others enjoying some exercise! I didn’t break any world records, but I enjoyed my 10k anyway!!

I think the best part about my job is watching families grow. From their first pregnancy, to new baby, then adding a sibling or two...it really is magical! This family is so special to me, I remember when Princess E was born and then their second little miss arrived, It really is the best feeling seeing these families yearly (some of you every six months!) and seeing how everyone has grown. I truly love my clients, I am so blessed to have so many amazing people in my life! This beautiful family session will be up on the blog this week so stay tuned! 🌿